Understanding an Ice Hockey Rink: The Lines and Zones Explained

As parents of children who play ice hockey, we know that understanding the rink can be just as important as understanding the rules of the game. However, the lines and zones on an ice hockey rink can be confusing to parents who may never have played the game themselves. In this blog post, we will break down the lines and zones on an ice hockey rink, including what each one represents and how it impacts the game. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to assist your child with a better understanding of the rink and provide them with more effective support during their games.

NHL Rink vs Olympic or International Rink

Rink sizes originated from the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal (Canada) where the first indoor ice hockey game was played in 1875, the size of the ice was 62 meters by 24.3 meters, and this became the standard size for many years. Although you could find lots of variation in rink sizes depending on where you played. As the game grew in popularity, a standard size was needed for consistency in gameplay eventually resulting in the two different rink sizes used today.

The North American or NHL size rink became the standard for professional hockey in North America. While the International Ice Hockey Federation or Olympic size rink is used outside of North America and for most international competitions.

The NHL rink is smaller than an Olympic or International-sized rink. measuring 60 meters by 26 meters (200 feet by 85 feet), with a corner radius of 8.5 meters (28 feet) while International-sized rinks measure 60 meters by 30 meters (200 feet by 100 feet) with a corner radius of 8.5 meters. The larger rinks typically result in a more wide-open style of hockey.

Centre Red Line

The Centre Red Line is the line that runs across the rink at the centre of the ice hockey rink. It divides the rink into two halves. It also serves as a reference point for determining if an Icing is to be called.

An Icing in ice hockey is when a player shoots the puck from their own side of the Centre Red Line, and it goes down the ice across the opposing team's Goal Line without being touched by a player on the opposing team. This is considered icing, and it results in a stoppage of play.

Blue Lines

The Blue Lines are the lines that run across the rink and divide the rink into three zones: the Neutral Zone, the Offensive Zone, and the Defensive zone. The Linesmen also use the Blue Lines to determine if a play is offside. Basically, an offside occurs when an attacking player crosses the Blue Line before the puck enters the Offensive Zone. If the defending team moves the puck back across the Blue Line, then all the attacking players must clear the zone before re-entering the Offensive Zone.

The Goal Line

The Goal Line (red) is the line that runs across the entire width of the rink at each end and the front off each net is placed along the line in the middle of the ice. This line determines if a goal has been scored or not. The puck must completely cross the Goal Line and into the net before being counted as a goal. The Linesman also uses the goal line to determine if an Icing is to be called.

The Goalie Crease

The Goalie Crease is the blue paint area that surrounds each net. It is a designated area where the goalie is permitted to play the puck without being interfered with. If an opposing player enters the crease, they must leave the crease area immediately or play will be stopped, the only exception to this is if the puck enters the crease area first in which case you are allowed into the crease to play the puck if it has not been covered by the goalie.

Trapezoid Lines

The trapezoid lines (red) running from the Goal Line to the boards are used to define the area the Goalie can handle the puck behind the goal line and is monitored by the linesman to ensure goaltenders don't gain an advantage by playing behind the goal line outside of their restricted area. The Goalie can only play the puck in the area behind their net defined by the trapezoid lines. If they play the puck behind the Goal Line outside of the Trapezoid Lines, they will be issued a Minor Penalty. The Goalie can play the puck anywhere in front of the Goal Line.

Face-Off Circles and Dots

The Face-off Circles, and Dots are located at strategic points on the ice and are used for face-offs after a stoppage of play, to resume play. A player lines up with their stick inside the dot, and both players fight for the puck when the referee drops it in-between them.

The Officials Crease

The Officials Crease (red semi-circle) is located in the centre area where the penalty boxes and scorer/timekeepers are. It is an area designated for game officials to use to talk over any issues that may arise and to talk to the time keeper or scorer (the scorer records the goal scorers, assists, penalties shots on goal etc.) No player is allowed to go into the Officials Crease while they are meeting in the area during a

stoppage of play.

Penalty Boxes

In ice hockey, penalty boxes are two separate areas located alongside the rink, one for each team. These boxes serve as a place to temporarily remove players from the game due to rule violations.

Players Benches

Players benches are areas located along the boards of the rink, between the Blue Lines and opposite the Penalty Boxes. They are typically comprised of a bench just in front of the boards for the players and have two doors at each end for the players to enter or leave the ice. There is an area behind the players bench for the team's coaching staff, and trainers. Their purpose is to provide a space for players to rest during games and for their coaching staff to communicate strategies and give instructions.

Understanding the lines and zones on an ice hockey rink is critical to understanding the game of ice hockey overall. As parents, we can provide our children with better guidance, more effective support, to truly appreciate this remarkable sport. We hope that, with this blog post, you now have a better understanding of the function of each line and zone on an ice hockey rink. Understanding these aspects of the game should help you better support your child while they’re learning and having fun on the ice.

Let the games begin!